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JADSTravel

JADSTravel
OUR TRAVEL LOG

DADAY'S KITCHEN

DADAY'S KITCHEN
DADAY'S KITCHEN
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Daniz Conquering the Waves of San Juan, La Union

Sand, Sea and Sky of San Juan, La Union
San Juan, La Union is known as the surf capital of the north and is the nearest surf spot from Manila. With the fourth longest coastline on the planet, San Juan has dozens of surfing areas waiting to be explored, one of which is Brgy. Urbiztondo.

Jonjie  and  I  consider ourselves as mountain  people…we love  to  climb and  hike  and explore.  But  our  Daniz is  a water person…she has an affair with water, be it in a swimming pool or in an ocean. She's our little mermaid who took to water even before she can walk.


After confirming the price and availability of coach and surf board for Daniz, father and daughter headed to our room so Daniz could change to her rash guard. By the way, the rate per hour inclusive of coach and surf board is P400 and P200 per hour for surf board only.
Before hitting the water, Daniz had to undergo a few minutes of basic do’s and don’t’s of surfing with Kuya Coach. You know if she is really interested in something…she’s focused and all ears. If only she could have that same concentration in all things, then…hmnnn, just wishful thinking…
A moment later, splash…there goes our mermaid…her laugh echoes with the sound of the waves. While I, the mother, is nervously watching on the side…still afraid, after all this time…that something might happen to her.  
On her third try, she was able to ride the waves that bring her ashore (please click for the link to the video). While watching, I am not aware that I was holding my breath until I hear myself shout when she jump onto the sand. Whoooaah…that’s our brave little girl…galling!!!

She's enjoying herself and requested for another one hour lesson and she's getting better and more confident each time she conquered a wave.  
The sun is already setting in the horizon and another hour had passed. But our mermaid is not yet done for the day, so Dada let her play with the waves for fifteen minutes.
Tomorrow is another day...
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La Union Adventure: San Juan Surf Resort


From our visit to Our Lady of Namacpacan Church, we headed directly to San Juan Surf Resort located at Brgy. Urbiztondo.

Brgy Urbiztondo is said to be the entry point to the surf spots of the Ilocos region and there are plenty of accommodations to choose from, and many of them are beachfront,  from pricey villas or budget-friendly homestays.




We arrived at around two in the afternoon...very hungry. But, first things first...Dada went directly to the reservation counter to check if there's an available room. Luckily there is and we were given a  De Luxe Room with a balcony, good for 2, inclusive of breakfast at P2,200 per night.

The place is clean, though construction is on going but it does not obstruct the view or discourage us from checking the area.


This tarp welcomes visitors to the resort silently saying that if River, the dog, can surf...anyone can. 

Later that day we've met River at the beach, already on his olden years, lazily walking along the beach or sleeping in the shade of the tent.


Room accommodation taken care of, we ordered meal for 2 with grilled tuna belly, chicken adobo, nilagang talong with bagoong and ensaladang mangga, with rice and iced tea for only P650.00  It was delicious and more than enough for the three of us, we just ordered iced tea + extra rice for Daniz.

Gutom talaga...we forgot to take pictures of the food and only remembered it halfway through our meal :(

Located on the second floor of the building to the right...
our room is the one on the left with a balcony
After confirming that a coach will be available, Daday and Daniz is on their way to our room to change attire for her surfing lesson. There will be a separate post on Daniz conquering the waves of San Juan.

I was at the balcony while taking this shot.
Our De Luxe room at the second floor  The sheets and towels are clean. The bathroom is spacious with ample supply of water, with shower heater so hot shower is available anytime. The room is equipped with a window-type aircon and LCD TV + a safety deposit box which Daniz always look for the moment we enter a room.

Early morning view from our balcony


Mother and daughter moment at the balcony while waiting for Daday to inform that we are checking out and to settle our remaining bills.


Daday is coming...we are set to go. We really had a good time here...Daday and I taking pictures and videos and beach bumming and our fearless Daniz conquering the waves or playing with it.


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La Union Adventure: Villa Marand Resort and Spa


After checking three places near the area, we chose this place mainly because everything is new and we were able to avail their promo rate. We stayed in a Deluxe Queen Room, good for 4 persons with free breakfast and free entrance to the resort.





Villa Marand Resort is a new attraction in Bauang which Daniz really enjoyed because of the pool with dual slides, play area and trampoline.


There's our fearless Daniz...enjoying the slide countless times
Hayyy, walang kupas ang aming Daniz.
Mother and Daughter tandem. She requested me to join her so she could bounce higher..kailangan nya ang bigat ko. My first time...


Other Places We Visited in La Union

  • La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden (City of San Fernando)
  • Cathedral of St. William the Hermit (City of San Fernando)
  • Our Lady of Namacpacan (Luna)
  • Pebble Beach (Luna)
  • San Juan Surf Resort (San Juan)
  • Grape Farms (Bauang)
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La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden

Located in Sitio Japan, Brgy. Cadaclan, City of San Fernando that showcase different themed garden: Japanese Garden, Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, Fragrance Garden, Fernery and Palmery.






It was disappointing because the place is not properly maintained. The concept is good, the location is good even if you have to travel up the mountain. But, for Jonjie and I, who really appreciate the beauty of nature be it natural or manmade...it's sayang.


No visitors in sight...only the three of us. We've met three of the staff, one in the entrance ans the other two when we bought something to drink.


Hoping that necessary care and maintenance will be provided so that visitors will be able to appreciate the true beauty and tranquility that it could offer.
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Historical Church: Our Lady of Namacpacan Church of Luna, La Union

Dada is walking towards the side of the church to look for the entrance.

Our Lady Apo Baket of Namacpacan was the title given to our Blessed Virgin Mary by the natives of La Union because she appeared to the indigenous people of the Cordilleras as an old woman and offered them food and invited them to be baptized. Apo Baket is how the people call the elderly woman as a sign of respect. The image got the name from the town itself. Namacpacan is an Ilocano word which means "one who had given food".
On October 18, 1906, the name of the town was changed from Namacpacan to Luna, in honor of the Luna brothers, Antonio the General and Juan the Painter whose mother hail from the town, but the church is still known as Our Lady of Namacpacan Church.
Over the years many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady of Namacpacan. These range from healing the lame to filling the church with a strange light that seemed to emanate from the statue.
Please visit http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?158 for the account of the history and miracles.

The Image of Our Lady of Namacpacan is located on the right side of the church.
Housed inside the church is the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan. One can  go up the few steps and offer a prayer in front of Our Lady. Also, near the stairs, a ledger is provided so those who want can write their prayers and petitions.



A feeling of peace envelops me while praying up-close, holding Her hand. and I could say at that moment I received my little piece of miracle.



The steps are part of the side of the church and are leading to the roof. I was a bit sorry for not taking picture of the entire facade, the walls are still the original bricks and stones already centuries old...but there is always a next time. And if not for Daniz asking permission incessantly to climb it, this picture would not have taken.

Also, at the right of this stair right at the back of the image of Our Lady is a water well, which as explained to us, is a source of healing water for the devotees.

Other Historical Churches in La Union We Plan to Visit

Below information is taken from http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?34.
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Charity (Agoo) - Situated at the center of the aged town of Agoo, the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity has stood for scores of centuries now as one of the long venerated configurations of the Virgin in the Philippines. It was founded in 1578.
  • St. John the Baptist Parish (San Juan) - Be drifted to the past by the perfect red brick panorama of San Juan Church and convent together with the solemnly that envelopes it. Established in 1707.
  • Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (Bauang) - One of the oldest churches in the country, bear witness to more than four centuries and a quarter of La Union’s Christian legacy carefully preserved through the church walls made out of adobe stones and red brick structures of Bauang Church. The church was founded on 1580.
  • St. Michae the Archangel Parish (Bacnotan) -Witness the birth of Christianity in the north with one of the oldest churches in La Union, Bacnotan Church was constructed in the period of 1817 to 1819 under the leadership of the Augustinian priests in devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. 
  • St. Christopher Parish (Bangar) -  Constructed in 1696 by Fr. Francisco Alviar, a learned Augustinian priest born in Leaño, Santander, Spain who died in Bangar in 1698. This structure is also known as the only church in the Philippines with three belfries.
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Historical Church: Cathedral of St. William the Hermit of San Fernando, La Union

Taken by Daday with our ever reliable green car we named Froggy (the silent member of JADSpirits)

Cathedral of St. William the Hermit, also known as the San Fernando Cathedral, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese in the City of San Fernando, La Union. St. William the Hermit Church was originally situated at Pindangan, now known as Barrio San Vicente. In 1759, Augustinian friar, Padre Jose Torres, convinced the two settlements to fuse into Pindangan (dry fish). He and the natives built a church under the patronage of Saint William the Hermit.


In 1765, Pindangan was renamed San Fernando after the Catholic King of Spain, under parish priest, Friar Fernando Rey.


The Cathedral's patron saint is William of Maleval (or William the Great, died 10 February 1157), the founder of the Catholic congregation of Williamites, a branch of the Hermits of St. Augustine. The town feast is celebrated every February 10.


We arrived at the church in time for the nine o'clock mass and chose to sit in the second row. Unfortunately, the mass is in Ilocano...so we just offered a simple prayer and left.


I was trying to capture what I fondly called a "sky shot" (ant's view to Daday and to others, worm's view) when the umbrella lady appeared. Submitted by Dada under the theme "Umbrellascape" in one of the photo sharing site. 

Other Historical Churches in La Union We Plan to Visit

Below information is taken from http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?34.
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Charity (Agoo) - Situated at the center of the aged town of Agoo, the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity has stood for scores of centuries now as one of the long venerated configurations of the Virgin in the Philippines. It was founded in 1578.
  • St. John the Baptist Parish (San Juan) - Be drifted to the past by the perfect red brick panorama of San Juan Church and convent together with the solemnly that envelopes it. Established in 1707.
  • Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (Bauang) - One of the oldest churches in the country, bear witness to more than four centuries and a quarter of La Union’s Christian legacy carefully preserved through the church walls made out of adobe stones and red brick structures of Bauang Church. The church was founded on 1580.
  • St. Michae the Archangel Parish (Bacnotan) -Witness the birth of Christianity in the north with one of the oldest churches in La Union, Bacnotan Church was constructed in the period of 1817 to 1819 under the leadership of the Augustinian priests in devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. 
  • St. Christopher Parish (Bangar) -  Constructed in 1696 by Fr. Francisco Alviar, a learned Augustinian priest born in Leaño, Santander, Spain who died in Bangar in 1698. This structure is also known as the only church in the Philippines with three belfries.
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    Happy Father's Day, Daday!


    You have been a father for just 8 years
    But it's like you've been doing it forever
    Yes, Daniz is so blessed to have you as her father
    No one could do it better than you are doing it now


    I clearly remember the first time we saw her
    I have waited for the twinkling eyes
    And the brightest smile amidst the tears
    But for you...it was love at first sight

    Without reservation
    You have chosen to be a full-time Daday
    And set aside your needs and wants
    So one of us will always be there for her

    No one could love her more
    Understand her needs
    Guide her to be the best that she can be
    No one...but you.

    She was our gift from God
    The child of our hearts
    But you are her greatest blessing
    Her forever Super DADAY.
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    La Union Adventure...Huling Hirit sa Tag-Araw

    The Road Trip to La Union

    Our initial plan is to go to Baler, Aurora but because of the distance and most of the hotels and resorts were fully booked, Baler could wait...

    Then Dada mentioned that La Union is also a good place to visit and just a 3-hour drive from Mabalacat, Pampanga. It was already Friday night, and when I tried to call some of the hotel and resort in the area, all standard accommodations are taken for the weekend.

    But since we are set on a weekend getaway...so off we go without a room to stay and without planned itinerary. 


    We left Mabalacat City by car on a Saturday at around 10:00am with our ever reliable car, Froggie. Our first stop is Bauang because it is not as busy as San Juan and the possibility of getting in accommodation is favorable. 

    Places we visited in La Union

    How to get there

    Car
    • From Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Dolores Exit, now connected to the new Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) which was until Carmen, Pangasinan already, it took us under three hours to Bauang (town before San Fernando)
    • From Manila to La Union which used to take six hours. the, travel time went down to under four hours.
    Bus
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    About Me and JADSpirits

    One of the things that I really struggled about is telling something about myself...more often than not, my mind goes blank for a few seconds. It is no different for this “About” page…

    Starting with my name always snap me out of the blankness…so here goes. I am Annie Sabeniano-Espiritu. I am forever a wife to Jonjie and a mother to Daniz. I am a full-time employee, a part-time runner and biker, a trying hard photographer, a food lover who cannot cook (or does not want to cook).

    I am not a born writer. I usually say, I am a Mechanical Engineer by education, not by profession because I was not able to practice and apply the teachings of those 5-years in college. And it’s been said that engineers are not good communicator because our discipline is to find solutions to the problems using an applied formula.

    Then why blog? I don’t know. All I know is that, for the longest time, I have this burning thing inside me to put my thoughts into words. And my mantra, courtesy of Aristotle, is

    "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an art but a habit."

    I am the A in JADSpirits…


    The JADSpirits...
    • Jonjie - christened Emmanuel Holgado Espiritu. Wondering why Jonjie??? Don't worry, I did, too, the first time (July 31, 1999) and when I asked, his candid answer without blinking his eyes was "yan ang gusto ng tatay ko, pakialam mo".
    • Annie - Aniceta Salen Sabeniano...no special meaning or origin for my name.
    • Daniz - we named her Shemaella Daniz. In time, we will share the story behind the name.
    • Spirits - English translation of our family name

    Jonjie and I got married in 1999...in a civil wedding on September 8...followed by a church wedding on December 27. I was 33 and Jonjie was 31. Ours was "a one-week love affair" (isang linggong pag-ibig). But on my part...it was a result of every Wednesday novena in Baclaran after work, rain or shine...plus a sign from Mama Mary. Please wait for a separate post on this...

    After 7 years of praying and medical interventions, God blessed us with our beautiful daughter, Daniz.

    We are a middle class family. Jonjie always say "hindi kami mayaman, may kaya lang...may kayabangan".

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